Fayetteville police say violent crime is down
Violent crime in Fayetteville this year has shown a downward trend, according to Fayetteville Police Department statistics released Friday.
Posted — UpdatedWhen comparing violent crime statistics from January to June 2009 with the same period this year, the department reported a 30 decrease in homicides, a 7.4 percent decrease in robberies, a 22 percent decrease in rapes and a 32.5 percent decrease in assaults.
Police Chief Tom Bergamine credits the trend to greater emphasis on community partnerships, citizen involvement and cooperation with different agencies. He cited the Community Wellness Plan the department launched in January 2009.
“We have seen a growing interest in citizens wanting to get involved, and that certainly has had an effect on our numbers,” he said in a statement.
Bergamine also highlighted the introduction of a free alert system through Nixle.com, which allows people to receive crime alert messages on their cell phones and computers.
“Already, we have arrested at least three criminals as a direct result of this interaction and community involvement,” he said.
The department also offered these tips to help prevent becoming the victim of a crime:
- Lock your doors and windows. Statistics show that 12.5 percent of business burglaries and 16.5 percent of residential burglaries require no force by the offender.
- Lock your car doors, roll up your windows, do not leave items of interest in plain view, turn on your car alarm and park in a garage or a well-lit area. Statistics show that 30 percent of vehicle break-ins require no force by the offender.
- Be aware of your surroundings, travel in groups, avoid areas and businesses that have a history of alcohol- or drug-related incidents. Statistics show 83 percent of robberies occur against an individual, not a business.
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